India

Bengaluru, Jan 13 (IANS) Karnataka Police on Monday nabbed one person in the shocking incident of slashing of the udders of three cows in Bengaluru, which took a communal turn and created tension in the city.

However, the BJP and the owner of the cows slammed the Karnataka government over the development and cried 'foul play' in the handling of the case.

The shocking incident was reported from Chamarajpet locality of Bengaluru on Sunday and led to tension in the communally-sensitive region.

Considering the seriousness of the issue, the police nabbed the accused on Monday.

DCP (West) S. Girish stated, “An incident of some miscreants partially cutting the udders of three cows had taken place in the early hours on January 12 at Vinayak Nagar in the Cottonpet police station limits.”

An FIR was registered under the Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act.

During the course of the investigation it was found that one person named Sheikh Nasru, aged 30 years from Champaran District of Bihar had committed the heinous act in an inebriated state, DCP Girish revealed.

“He works as a helper in a plastic and cloth bag stitching shop 50 metres away from the place of the incident. No other person is found to be involved,” the DCP maintained.

He has been arrested and remanded to Judicial Custody till January 24.

The cows after being treated are presently out of danger, DCP Girish stated.

Meanwhile, G. Karna, the owner of the injured cows stated that it was impossible for one person to commit the crime.

“The government is hushing up the case. Why has the accused been sent to Judicial Custody hurriedly without investigation?” he claimed.

“The people behind the incident should be booked,” he demanded.

A BJP leader and former IPS officer Bhaskar Rao alleged that incidents of cows being slaughtered in the city is a conspiracy and an atrocity aimed at driving out Hindus of the locality to seize land.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the BJP state office in Bengaluru, he criticised the statement by five-time elected leader Zameer Ahmad Khan about purchasing three cows for the owner in place of the three injured ones as “shocking.”

He questioned, "Is this some kind of plaything to buy cows during the Sankranti festival? Do they lack humanity?"

“The incident has come as a major shock to Hindus and fortunately, no bloodshed occurred in Chamarajpet, which could have led to communal unrest,” he stated.

Bhaskar Rao added that philanthropist Sajjan Rao had donated land 100 years ago for an animal hospital, which currently shelters 2,227 animals.

He alleged a plan to demolish the hospital without consulting anyone to build a school and insisted on continuing the animal hospital without transferring it.

A large protest had occurred earlier, with cow owners leading it.

He condemned the incident on January 12 as not just deplorable but unforgivable and demanded the arrest of the ‘true’ perpetrators.

He accused CM Siddaramaiah of giving undue freedom to Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, which he described as encouraging destructive acts, not development.

He questioned why no case was filed under Section 153 (for promoting enmity) and demanded immediate action.

He alleged that the actions were aimed at driving out cattle owners to take away the hospital land.

He criticised the lack of cases filed under the anti-cow slaughter law.

Bhaskar Rao demanded the arrest of the ‘real’ accused and stated that even if thousands of cows were given to their owners, it would not absolve the perpetrators of their sins.

He emphasised the need for development in poverty-stricken Chamarajpet. "CM Siddaramaiah, you are indulging in politics. Instead of development, majority properties and cattle are being attacked," he alleged.

BJP state spokesperson Dr. Narendra Rangappa, BJP Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, and District Secretary Uday were present at the press conference.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) A new observatory set up by the S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, in West Bengal will significantly help in scientific observations of astronomical objects in the country, said the Ministry of Science and Technology on Monday.

The observatory situated atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district in West Bengal will also help in training students in handling telescopes and recording data, generating national and international collaboration in astronomical research and most importantly, filling in the longitudinal gap.

“The observatory at a height of 600 meters above ground level and the longitude of approximately 86 degrees East, will be a major observatory not only in eastern India, but also in the world,” said the Ministry, noting that it fills the gap between the Arctic Ocean in the north to Antarctica in the south.

Renowned astrophysicist and Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University opines that “the Panchet observatory is strategically positioned”.

S.N. Bose Centre has signed an MoU with the Sidhu Kanu Birsa University for joint responsibility of running the observatory and sharing resources.

“This was a moment of pride, and the Centre will be able to make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in observational astronomy,” said Dr. Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta, Director of S.N. Bose Centre, at the virtual inauguration at the SKB University.

“An observatory always creates its own ecosystem in its vicinity and the Panchet observatory too holds this promise,” said Viswajit Sahay, Financial Adviser of the Department of Science and Technology.

The land for the observatory was formally acquired in 2018 and its conceptualisation, layout, and initiation were led by Dr. Ramkrishna Das, Dr. Soumen Mandal, and Dr. Tapas Baug, from the Department of Astrophysics of SNBNCBS.

Their work included site characterisation, determining astronomical ‘seeing’ and weather parameters, and installation of a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia held a roadshow on Monday for the upcoming Assembly elections in the national capital, expressing confidence in the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) victory.

Atishi is set to file her nomination from the Kalkaji Assembly constituency, while Sisodia will contest from the Jangpura seat.

The roadshow, held ahead of Atishi's nomination filing, saw both leaders launching sharp attacks on opposition parties BJP and Congress.

"Arvind Kejriwal is in the hearts of the people of Delhi. People will vote for us based on the work we have done over the past five years," Atishi told IANS.

Criticising the opposition, she added, "They do not know anything other than abusing us. They should name one thing they have done for the betterment of Delhi's people."

Speaking to IANS, Sisodia highlighted the overwhelming public support for AAP.

"This time, Delhi will vote for the development work carried out by Arvind Kejriwal. He is a leader who works for the public and fights against those who try to hinder progress. Kejriwal has a team that fights and never breaks," he said.

Targeting the BJP, he remarked, "They know nothing but abuse. We have development works to showcase -- schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The BJP was entrusted with law and order in Delhi, and they failed to fix even that."

The roadshow featured a vehicle adorned with flowers and AAP posters, playing the party's campaign song, 'Phir Layenge Kejriwal'.

Before the event, Atishi visited the Kalkaji Temple and Giri Nagar Gurudwara to seek blessings.

In an effort to strengthen her campaign, Atishi launched a crowdfunding initiative on Sunday, underscoring AAP's commitment to "politics of work and honesty".

Sharing an online donation link, she revealed her campaign required Rs 40 lakh.

"AAP has always relied on small contributions from common people to fight elections, allowing us to pursue transparent and honest politics," she said.

"Over the past five years, you have supported me as an MLA, a minister, and now as the Chief Minister of Delhi. This journey would not have been possible without your unwavering blessings and trust," she further added.

Atishi faces competition in Kalkaji from BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress' Alka Lamba.

All 70 Delhi Assembly seats will go to polls on February 5, with vote counting on February 8.

AAP, which won 67 seats in 2015 and retained dominance with 62 seats in 2020, aims for a third consecutive term.

The BJP, which secured three seats in 2015 and eight in 2020, is working to expand its presence. The Congress, which has drawn a blank in the last two elections, is striving to regain relevance in the Assembly.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Calling it another anarchist act, the BJP on Monday trained its guns on the AAP government in Delhi for its failure to table the CAG report on liquor policy in the Assembly.

The BJP also pointed to the Delhi High Court’s observation, calling the reluctance of the AAP government to table the CAG report as “unfortunate”.

BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi hit out at the so-called "honest" government claiming that it had told the HC that it does not consider it necessary to table the CAG report in Assembly.

“Their anarchist character is now pervading in the constitutional institution and constitutional procedures which are very much required for the proper functioning of the government,” said Trivedi.

The AAP-da (disaster) government does not want the assessment of its financial performance to be made public, creating a constitutional crisis, he said.

Demanding answers from “super CM” Arvind Kejriwal, Trivedi said why have so many CAG reports not been tabled in the Assembly. “Why have they claimed that tabling the CAG reports is of no use?” he asked.

Trivedi said the Delhi government’s reluctance to table the CAG report proves that there are dark secrets that they are trying to hide.

He also hit out at Kejriwal for not keeping his word repeatedly and said, “If there is a perception among people that there is a crisis of credibility in politics today, then Kejriwal is the embodiment of this crisis of credibility.

Calling Chief Minister Atishi’s attempt to crowd fund her election campaign a facade, he said, “Just as Atishi herself is a mask or temporary CM, her crowd funding gimmick is also a mask to divert attention, but Delhi voters can see through this.”

Asked about the AAP leaders’ claim that LG V.K. Saxena was not stating the truth about removal of slum clusters from Shakur Basti, Trivedi said, “The kind of language that the AAP uses for people on constitutional post speaks volumes about it.”

He said the AAP is the only party which lies blatantly and defends its wrongdoings shamelessly.

Trivedi said that the AAP government cannot escape thorny questions on the education scam, liquor scam, mohalla clinic scam and Sheesh Mahal - the musuem of corruption.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Shiv Sena(UBT) leader and former Minister Aditya Thackeray has criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre and the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra for delay in naming the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after veteran leader DB Patil and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

“Is this pendency normal for Union government of the BJP? Or is it purely because they want to keep insulting Maharashtra?” he asked.

In his post on X, Aditya Thackeray said, “It is the birth anniversary of DB Patil. In 2022, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government cabinet decided to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as DB Patil International Airport and sent the recommendation to the Union government. The status: pending for approval from Govt of India. For over 3 years, despite all of us writing reminder letters to the Union Civil Aviation ministers (then and now), it remains pending. I once again request Union Civil Aviation Minister @RamMNK ji to approve the proposal today, on this special occasion.”

He further said, "Similarly, the proposal for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport to be named as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj airport remains pending with the union government since 2020.”

In January 2024, the Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray made similar demands in his letter to the Centre.

“The Ayodhya airport has been renamed as Maharshi Valmiki International Airport and Mopa airport in Goa as Manohar International Airport after the state's late chief minister Manohar Parrikar. If Ayodhya airport and Mopa airport can be named after individuals, then why can't the same norm be applied to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Navi Mumbai airports in Maharashtra?” he asked.

Further, Aditya Thackeray’s move now to remind the state and Centre of naming NMIA is important as the Mahayuti government has indicated that the greenfield airport will start operations in April this year with 20 crore passengers handling capacity annually.

On December 29 last year, an Indigo A320 aircraft successfully touched down at the airport runway as NMIA conducted its first flight validation test. On October 11, 2024, the inaugural landing of an Indian Air Force C-295, a large multi-role tactical airlifter, took place from the airport.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Jan 13 (IANS) The special premiere of 'Jungle Satyagraha' - a movie based on a true story highlighting a tribal movement against draconian British rule, was organised at Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Monday.

The premiere show organised by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh at the auditorium of the Vidhan Sabha, was attended by several Congress leaders, including PCC chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar.

Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Secretary A.P. Singh and two former MLAs from Betul, who have acted in the film - Sukhdev Panse and Dharmu Singh Sirsam -- along with director and producer of the film Pradeep Uike also attended the premiere show.

Digvijaya Singh's office said the legislators from the ruling BJP, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar were also invited to watch the film, however, they didn't turn up. State BJP chief V.D. Sharma was also invited, but he too didn't attend.

"It is a story of the beginning of tribal movement against the British rule. I would appeal to people of the state to watch the film to know how our tribal heroes fought for their rights and unity," Digvijaya Singh said.

The film highlighted the tribal movement that began in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district in 1930s, had characters from tribal communities from Madhya Pradesh's Betul and Chhindwara districts.

The film 'Jungle Satyagraha' highlighted the struggle of tribals trough a non-violent civil disobedience movement against British rule.

Director of the film Pradeep Uike, who is also a resident of Betul, said the movie began at Banjari Dhaal in Betul district, then part of Madhya Bharat.

"The film features tribal actors, many of whom are local, and was mostly shot in Betul and Chhindwara districts. The film's premiere at the Vidhan Sabha is a significant milestone for the movement's recognition," Uike said.

He further stated that the movie is a tribute to key leaders of the movement, including Sardar Ganjan Singh Korku, Sardar Vishnu Singh Gond, Thakur Mohkam Singh, Ramji Korku and Jugru Gond.

Notably, Rampur police station in Betul, where tribal freedom fighters were imprisoned and tortured, has been transformed into a museum to honour the Jungle Satyagraha and its legacy.

Earlier, Digvijaya Singh had said that he had requested Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to make 'Jungle Satyagraha' tax free in the state. However, the state government is yet to make any announcement in this regard.

--IANS

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Sonamarg (J&K), Jan 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that Kashmir is the crown of the country, and he desires that this crown should shine better and become more glorious in the days to come.

The Prime Minister said this after inaugurating and dedicating the Sonamarg tunnel to the nation.

PM Modi started his speech by lauding the hard work of the workers who worked to make the Sonamarg tunnel possible and were not deterred from giving the supreme sacrifice.

He offered tribute to civilian workers, who laid down their lives during the construction of the tunnel he inaugurated. He said despite the grave danger to their lives, no worker wanted to go home after the terrorists attacked the Gagangir workers camp. “Nobody wanted to go home even after we lost seven friends to terrorism. My tribute to those martyrs who gave their lives for the country."

“Kashmir is the crown of India and it is my desire that this crown should become more shining and glorious. In this endeavour, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are helping me. I assure you that any roadblock in the way of realising your dreams will be removed,” the PM assured the people.

He said two days back Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had uploaded some pictures and videos around the tunnel. By seeing those, my eagerness to be here increased. “When I worked here as a BJP worker, I have spent a lot of time in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal and Baramulla. It used to snow heavily even in those days. But, the warmth of the people of J&K did not make you feel the cold. Today is a great day, crores of people are taking part in the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. Lohri is being celebrated in Punjab. This is the period of the 40-day intense cold of ‘Chillai Kalan’, which people face with a smile in Kashmir. People are coming to Sonamarg from different parts of the country and enjoy your hospitality," said PM Modi.

"I recently inaugurated the Jammu rail division. Today I have dedicated Sonamarg tunnel to the country and the people of J&K and Ladakh,” he said.

Referring to Omar Abdullah’s demand for statehood, PM Modi said, “Modi always fulfils his promise. Every promise will be fulfilled at the right time. Every decision has a proper time when it is taken,” the PM said.

“This tunnel was started by us, and it is my decision that whatever work we start we must also inaugurate. Sonamarg and the entire area here will get a great boost. In days to come, road and railway projects will be completed. The Valley will soon be connected through railways. New roads, colleges, etc., it will be a ‘Naya Kashmir’ that we have been speaking about," said the PM.

"In 2040, India will be a developed nation and no family, no area of the country will be left out in that developed India. In the last 10 years, over four crore poor people got concrete houses. In days to come, three crore more people will get new homes. Free healthcare given in the country is beneficial to the people of J&K as well. New IITs, AIIMS, educational institutions, polytechnics, etc., are being opened. Today you have a good road from J&K to Arunachal Pradesh. The world’s highest tunnel, highest railway bridge, and highest cable bridge are also being built in J&K. Ropeways to Shankaracharya temple, and ropeways to other places will be completed in J&K. These projects will make J&K the most connected place in the country. Through better connectivity, hitherto unexplored tourist destinations will be opened up.," the PM said in his address.

“Peace in J&K has given great dividends. Over two crore tourists came to J&K in 2024. Everybody connected with tourism has benefitted. Our Kashmir is regaining its glory of being the paradise on earth. People go to enjoy ice cream in Lal Chowk in the evening. Polo View market has become a hub of modern activity. People go with families to cinemas. The situation could out have improved without the participation of the people, no government could have done it without the people’s support. There was an international marathon in Srinagar in which the chief minister also participated. I greeted him for that when he met me in Delhi. After 40 years, international cricket was held in Srinagar. We saw car racing in Srinagar. Gulmarg will host the 5th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg next month," PM Modi said.

He said that there are greater and better avenues being thrown open for the youth of the union territory. The local youth will not need to go out for better education in the days to come.

The PM said that the J&K bank has crossed Rs 2.30 lakh crore business and this has increased the lending capacity of the bank. "The dark past of J&K has now changed into the future of prosperity and progress," the PM said.

Before the PM’s address, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressed the public rally. He said to make a self-reliant India, we have to ensure road connectivity and infrastructure development.

“US President John F Kennedy said that American roads are good not because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good. After completing the 6.4 km long Rs 2,700 crore Sonamarg tunnel, we are also completing the Rs 6,800 crore Zojila tunnel. Ladakh will have all-season connectivity after the Zojila tunnel is completed,” Gadkari said.

He also referred to various corridors being made in J&K and gave details of projects completed in the UT. He spoke of ring roads in Valley and Jammu division.

The Minister said the distance from Delhi to Srinagar will be completed in 7 to 8 hours within one year. “This will, Hon’ble PM, realise your promise of cutting the distance between Dili and Srinagar,” he said.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to seven civilians, who were killed by terrorists on October 20 last year in Gagangir. “Hon’ble PM you have realised the dreams depicted in textbooks by restoring the peace and dignity of the people in J&K. This place is no longer known for terrorism, but for tourism now. By giving reservations to underprivileged classes you have ensured equitable progress and opportunities to the people of J&K. Today, you have inaugurated and dedicated the Rs 2,700 crore tunnel. This tunnel will be the line of good luck and fortune on the hand of J&K. Connectivity to Ladakh will also become a reality in 2026," he said.

“Projects over Rs 1.50 lakh crore of roads and infrastructure are currently being completed in J&K. 99 per cent villages of the UT have road connectivity now. Soon the dream of national integration from Kashmir to Kanyakumari will be realised through Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. For realising the dreams of every citizen of J&K, I thank you Hon’ble Prime Minister from the depth of my heart,” the Lt Governor said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered the welcome address. He paid tribute to seven civilians killed by terrorists in the Gagangir area on October 20. He also mentioned people killed during the last 35 years by terrorists, including leaders and workers of his party, the National Conference (NC).

“Your August presence, Hon’ble Prime Minister is proof of the fact that we will not allow forces inimical to the unity and integrity of the country to succeed,” the CM said.

He said people waited for long years for the Sonamarg tunnel and the people living in otherwise cut-off Sonamarg will not have to abandon their homes during the winter months now.

The CM lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister for ensuring peace on the borders in J&K. He said the PM’s mission of ending ‘Dil Ki Doori, Aur Dili Se Doori’ is being proved through the PM’s efforts. He praised the PM for ensuring peaceful, fair elections in J&K.

He hoped the PM would soon ensure statehood for J&K so that the UT gets its rightful place in the union of Indian states.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 13 (IANS) Even as Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities continue to face challenges due to the regular arrests of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, another group of ten fishermen from Thothoor village in the state has been allegedly arrested by the British Navy near Diego Garcia Island in the central Indian Ocean.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu fisheries department told IANS that the British Navy detained the fishermen while they were fishing for tuna during the early morning hours of Monday.

The fishermen were reportedly arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Sources from the fisheries department revealed that the same boat used by the fishermen had previously been seized on two separate occasions for allegedly crossing international borders.

The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has already informed the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, about the incident.

It may be recalled that eight fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy early on January 12.

Two mechanised boats were also impounded by Sri Lankan naval authorities.

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, the arrests were made for allegedly crossing the IMBL and poaching near the Neduntheevu islet during the early hours of Sunday.

The fisheries department officials stated that they had issued tokens to 169 mechanised boats from Rameswaram jetty on Saturday morning. These boats were scheduled to return to shore on Sunday evening.

Sources further added that the arrested fishermen were taken to a naval port in Sri Lanka, where they are being questioned.

The impounded mechanised boats are also being towed to the port. The two impounded boats belong to Mukesh Kumar of Rameswaram and Maria Retrisan of Thangachimadam, with registration numbers IND TN 10 MM 879 and IND TN 10 MM 159, respectively.

Leaders of fishermen’s associations across coastal Tamil Nadu have condemned the midnight arrests.

Antony John, a leader from Rameswaram, told IANS that repeated pleas from fishermen’s associations to the Union government regarding such incidents have not resulted in redressal.

Expressing concern, he stated that it is no longer safe for fishermen to operate in the Palk Bay.

“We have not only lost our livelihoods but also our properties to Sri Lankan authorities. Around 270 trawlers have been impounded since 2018. Many fishermen have lost their jobs and are burdened by debts they cannot repay,” he said.

—IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Reflecting on the frequent disruptions in Parliament, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday warned of public agitations that would be a threat to democracy if the House remains non-functional and gradually gets into irrelevance.

Launching a book 'Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; a Comparative Constitutional Perspective' authored by Dr. K.S. Chauhan, VP Dhankhar warned of mass protests in case the Parliament continues to suffer from disruptions.

“People will take to agitations. People will find a way out and therefore if Parliament is non-functional, it will gradually get into irrelevance, and that will be a threat to democracy,” he said.

That nation’s aspirational urge must be satisfied by the parliamentarians engaging in overdrive by evolution of policies and that can emanate only when the Parliament functions, said the Vice President.

He said the primary function of Parliament is that it must be optimally functional. “It must have dialogue and debate. It must hold the government accountable,” he said.

He said the executive is held accountable only through parliamentary mechanism. “It requires that the Parliament functions through dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation. But if Parliament is dysfunctional, Parliament is ravaged by disruptions and accountability does not take place,” he said.

Hinting at the negative implications of a non-functional House, VP Dhankhar said, “We are the fifth-largest global economy, we will soon be the third-largest. But the challenge is there. Eight-fold increase in per capita income has to be achieved for a developed nation status. And that can happen only when Parliament, its committees perform and outperform themselves.”

He also stressed on maintaining ethical standards in Parliament. “Just imagine my pain. Only a month back or so, we found on a particular seat in Rajya Sabha, a wad of notes, Rs 500 in denomination. What has really pained me is that no one has come to claim it. That's a very serious issue. You can carry notes, maybe out of necessity but then no one has claimed, that's a collective challenge to our ethical standards,” he said.

The Vice President said that the Parliament will fructify only if parliamentarians have their free say on issues.

“I envy their enormous talent, their capacity, their contribution. They are very learned people and, therefore, I am sure this book will be an eye opener to those who urge to take this nation forward,” he said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 13 (IANS) The infighting in the ruling Congress in Karnataka is likely to escalate as the camps of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM and state chief D.K. Shivakumar are most likely to take a confrontational position over power-sharing in the CLP meeting scheduled for Monday evening.

Though the leaders, who will be attending the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), are claiming that the meeting's agenda is to discuss the party's convention to be organised on January 21 in Belagavi, sources claimed that the discussion on power-sharing and dinner party politics will take place.

The sources stated that following the statement of CM Siddaramaiah that his chair is not vacant, bitterness has grown between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna stated that Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister after Siddaramaiah.

"The matter of power-sharing is discussed in the media and not among the MLAs. After CM Siddaramaiah, it is Shivakumar, who will come to that post. Who else is the CM candidate? However, whether Shivakumar will become the CM in this term will be decided by the high command."

Reacting to the demand of the Vokkaligasa Sangha to make Shivakumar the CM, he stated, "It is not possible to make one the CM if someone is demanding. They might have demanded representation for the community. The final decision will be taken by the high command."

Minister for Transport Ramalingareddy, stated, "Any changes in the Congress party, whether it is related to the state president or the Chief Minister, the high command will take a call. They will decide if any changes are to be made."

"I am not a contender for the post of the state president. The Chief Minister post is not vacant. In today's meeting, the discussion will be focused on the Belagavi convention and no other issues will be discussed," Minister Reddy stated.

Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, stated, the high command will take a call in the party. They will decide on who will become the CM or the state party president.

"There is no haste in this regard. The high command will decide at an appropriate time. The media is giving half-truths regarding the issue of change of the CM," Minister Jarkiholi stated.

National General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala is arriving in Karnataka to discuss the Belagavi convention and some other issues will also come up for the discussion. The other matter will include a discussion on the Internal reservation, he stated.

When asked about the demand for a Dalit CM, Minister Jarkiholi stated that CM Siddaramaiah is in charge and it won't be possible to accommodate another CM now, he said.

"I do not know about the discussion on power-sharing. Our party President D.K. Shivakumar will offer special prayers to gods and there is nothing wrong with it. He has been doing it for 40 years and will continue in future as well," he maintained.

Senior leader R.V. Deshpande, stated that the speculation about change of CM is a media creation. "There is no vacancy as far as CM's post is concerned as of today. Hence, the CM is saying right. There is no vacancy...If Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar aspires to become the CM, there is nothing wrong with that also. I may also have the aspiration, and no one can stop me. What CM is saying is that at present he is the CM and hence there is no vacancy," he stated.

When asked about many leaders coming forward to stake claims for key posts, he said, "I am a nine-term legislator and am I not eligible? Ultimately, the party will make a decision. I am nobody and I belong to the Congress party. The Congress party has to decide on who should be the CM and the Congress Legislature Party should endorse it. It is a simple democratic process and nothing more than that."

"We are all united and working together. There is absolutely nothing wrong with hosting dinners. The agenda is very clear, the meeting is about the Belagavi convention scheduled on January 21. It's going to be a grand function," he stated.

Despite the leaders saying that things are under control, sources said that all is not well within the Congress party. The struggle for power has begun and is likely to escalate in the coming days.

--IANS

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